by Women's Health

Editors of Women's Health

Think Eggs are Unhealthy? The Yolk's on You

Pity The Poor Egg

It gets cracked, scrambled, and whipped--not to mention unfairly maligned as the villain of the breakfast world. That's because there's a misguided belief that the cholesterol in eggs (found in the yolk) raises the cholesterol levels in your body and puts your ticker at risk. But good news, frittata fans: Research supporting the health bennies of eggs is piling up. And several studies--including a recent one in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that found no link in healthy people between eggs and either heart attack or stroke--have debunked the bad-egg myth.

Four reasons eggs rock:

They May Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Whole eggs are one of the best sources of the nutrient choline (one large egg has about 30 percent of your RDA). A study published this year found that women with a high intake of choline were 24 percent less likely to get breast cancer. Note: Choline is found mostly in the yolk, so feel free to ditch the egg-white omelets.

Eggs Keep Your Peepers Peeping

Yolks are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to ward off macular degeneration--so you'll still be able to eyeball hotties from afar when you're 80.

An Omelet a Day Can Shrink Your Waist

Louisiana State University system researchers found that obese people who ate a two-egg breakfast at least five times a week lost 65 percent more weight and had more energy than women who breakfasted on bagels. "Eggs are more satisfying than carbs, making you feel full longer," says Kristine Clark, Ph.D., R.D., assistant professor of nutrition at Penn State.

Your Abs Eat Them Up

These little orbs contain a certain sequence of amino acids that makes egg protein easy for your body to absorb. Which means a hard-boiled grade-A is an ideal muscle-repair food after a butt-busting workout.

Which Eggs are Best?

All eggs contain the same basic good stuff, and the large ones pack only 72 calories each, so you really can't go wrong. But depending on your eating habits, special eggs may be worth the extra cash.

Labels to Look for:

- Organic

These eggs were laid by chickens that aren't fed nasty slaughterhouse byproducts, antibiotics, or certain additives.

- Pasteurized

Using raw eggs? Look for this word on the label. It means the eggs have been placed in warm water to kill bacteria.

- Omega-3 Enhanced

If you rarely eat fish, buy these to snag more of the heart-healthy fatty acids.

Labels to Skip:

Cage Free, Free Range, and Pasture Raised don't guarantee happy chickens.

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